Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has called for embracing Buddhist doctrines of peaceful coexistence to address global conflicts and restore balance to the strained international order. Speaking at the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) in Laos, Singh highlighted India’s commitment to dialogue and negotiation as tools for resolving complex international issues.
“With the world increasingly polarised into blocs and camps, leading to strain on the established world order, it is time that Buddhist doctrines of peaceful coexistence are embraced more closely by all,” Singh said. He was addressing defence ministers from ASEAN nations and eight dialogue partners, including China’s Dong Jun.
India, Singh emphasised, has always relied on open communication to tackle challenges ranging from border disputes to trade agreements. “An open dialogue promotes trust, understanding, and cooperation, laying the foundation for sustainable partnerships. The power of dialogue has always proven effective, yielding tangible results that contribute to stability and harmony on the global stage,” he added.
On the Indo-Pacific region, Singh underlined India’s support for freedom of navigation, lawful commerce, and adherence to international law. Referring to the ongoing discussions on the South China Sea Code of Conduct, Singh stated, “India would like to see a code that does not prejudice the legitimate rights and interests of nations that are not party to these discussions. It must fully comply with international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.”
Singh also highlighted India’s longstanding ties with Southeast Asia, describing ASEAN as pivotal for regional peace and prosperity. Quoted Rabindranath Tagore, he remarked on the deep cultural and historical connections between India and the region
